Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a clinical syndrome resulting from compression, inflammation, or injury of a spinal nerve root. Symptoms include pain radiating along the affected dermatome, sensory deficits, and motor weakness. Etiologies include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and trauma. Pathophysiology involves mechanical or inflammatory disruption of nerve root function. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, imaging (MRI or CT), and electrodiagnostic studies. Management includes conservative measures, physical therapy, pharmacologic treatment, and surgical intervention for refractory cases; prognosis varies with severity and underlying cause.